Ryan Herrera is starting a new chapter in his 30-year firefighting career, this time as the Redmond Fire and Rescue chief.
Redmond Fire said Herrera began his public service career as a Firefighter/EMT with the Port Orchard, Washington, Fire Department in 1994 and has spent the last 26 years with South King Fire and Rescue, also in Washington state.
He worked his way up the ranks there, serving in leadership positions such as lieutenant, deputy fire marshal, captain, and most recently, battalion chief.
"I love the area. I love the people," he said. "The atmosphere is great, and so when I saw the opening for the fire chief position, I put in for it and I was selected in early February, and today is my first day."
Currently, Herrera is building an understanding of the firefighting culture here before announcing any possible changes to the department.